Boys Bowling Overview: Marion Harding on another mission to state
MARION — After five straight trips to the Division I boys bowling state tournament, after finishing third in the state two years ago and after bringing home the state runner-up trophy last season, it's only natural for Marion Harding to look ahead.
But as they've done throughout that long run of success, the Presidents are focusing on the steps needed to take in the journey, not the final destination.
"The goals for the 22-23 team are improving every day we are on the lanes (and) having fun competing against other teams," Harding coach Corey Chatman said.
The Presidents are senior laden, so they know what lies ahead.
"The strength of the team is that we are a battle-tested team," Chatman said.
None are more battled-tested than former individual state champion Jayden Combs. The senior is the defending Mid Ohio Athletic Conference Bowler of the Year, and he's crisscrossed the country over the offseason competing in elite youth tournaments.
Fellow seniors Cameron Rayner and Jordan Hensley were integral to last year's state runner-up finish, while senior Gavin Houseworth was part of the traveling party. Other seniors looking to fill roles are Austen Valentine, Chord Mull and Jacob Beaschler.
Still, it will be a slightly different group.
"We lost one of the greatest Harding bowlers to come through the program in Caden Millisor and Gage Warren," Chatman said.
Millisor was an All-Ohioan last year, and Warren was a four-time state participant. Both were first-team All-MOAC.
"My biggest concern for the 22-23 team is the lack of varsity experience for the newer bowlers," Chatman said.
Nevertheless, the goals are clear for Marion Harding.
"We want to first win the MOAC title and for the team to be hitting their groove going into the tournament season," Chatman said. "But it is one step at a time for the Presidents."
Other than Harding's continued excellence, the other big development a season ago was Pleasant going from last place in the MOAC to earning a Division II state berth in the span of one year in boys bowling.
It will be a different team for the Spartans in 2022-23 as graduation hit the program hard with the loss of Trent Wilson, Jayden Alwood, Mason Cluff, Jacob Kowalczyk and Temo Garcia. Still, Pleasant has two enviable pieces to build around in sophomores Nolan Ludwig and Logan Clemons as well as fellow sophomore Dawson Hall. All were part of last year's turnaround.
"(The) returning lettermen are strong and consistent bowlers," Pleasant coach Bill Ludwig said. "The new bowlers are mostly sophomores but are showing steady improvement to the point of challenging for the final varsity positions."
Pleasant wants to push Marion Harding and River Valley atop the MOAC standings this season.
"We are looking for consistency and steady improvement," Ludwig said.
River Valley went to back-to-back state tournaments but saw that string snapped last season. Led by juniors Trace Kelly and Andrew Karrick, the Vikings are hopeful they can return to success.
"We have a few bowlers with experience in the game, and we have a full roster this year," RV coach Cheryl Manning said.
Longtime bowlers who were part of those state teams, Carson Welsh and Gary Cox III, graduated, so the Vikings are relying on some new hands to contribute.
"Most of the team consists of new bowlers just learning the sport," Manning said.
Elgin will not field a boys bowling team this year, and Ridgedale has a young group that will be rebuilding this year for coach Amanda Crease. The Rockets graduated six from a year ago.
"They are hard working and motivated," Crease said.
Outside Marion County, Highland has six returnees and 10 total on the roster as they navigate the MOAC for a second straight year.
"The boys have depth but with that depth lacks experience," Highland coach Ty Hicks said. "The league will be highly competitive. We believe our record last year didn't measure up to the overall team ability. We will work to better our record from a year ago.
"Our plan is to work hard and keep the little things in perspective while working toward team district qualifications for the chance at state qualification."
Cardington has three key returnees led by All Knox Morrow Athletic Conference competitors Silas Horton and Zane Everly.
Mount Gilead has four letter winners and two seniors leading their cause in the KMAC.
"We look to be very competitive in the league," MG coach Shawn Boller said.
Northmor won just two matches last year in the regular season, but qualified for the district tournament as a team for the first time. The Golden Knights didn't graduate anyone from that squad.
North Union has three letter winners back and five new bowlers as the Wildcats try to improve on last year's winless season.
∎ For a capsule look at all of the area's boys bowling teams for the 2022-23 season, visit MarionStar.com or the app.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Boys Bowling Overview: Marion Harding on another mission to state
